Jan Ryde, CEO of the luxury bed-making company Hästens, has released a new book exploring his philosophy of running a business through the lens of love. When Business is Love: The Spirit of Hästens – At Work, At Play, and Everywhere in Your Life is now available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook formats, narrated by Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor Jon Hamm.
The book offers a detailed account of how Ryde’s leadership at Hästens, the prestigious Swedish bed-making firm, is driven by love and service. Through When Business is Love, Ryde shares the company’s 170-year journey, from its roots as a saddlery founded in 1852 by his great-great-grandfather, to becoming a globally renowned brand. Hästens, known for its luxurious, hand-crafted beds, boasts an elite clientele that includes Hollywood celebrities and royalty. Their iconic Blue Check pattern is now a symbol of luxury, recognised in more than 50 countries worldwide.
In the book, Ryde elaborates on more than 20 aspects of his leadership style, emphasising values such as honesty, humility, craftsmanship, and creativity. He describes how Hästens has cultivated a culture where love informs every decision, from bed-making to customer service, and how businesses in any industry can adopt a similar approach. Ryde sees love not only as a personal or emotional force but as a practical tool for inspiring employees, creating exceptional products, and ensuring long-term success.
Hästens’ luxurious beds, including the highly exclusive Grand Vividus, are hand-crafted by master artisans. These beds, some of which can take over 600 hours to produce and sell for as much as USD $1 million, have built the company’s international reputation. In When Business is Love, Ryde explains how Hästens’ commitment to quality and love for craftsmanship has helped the company maintain its status as a leading name in luxury bedding.
Ryde also reflects on the company’s unique heritage, with many of its artisans having passed down their skills through generations. He argues that Hästens is more than just a business, but a community of craftspeople dedicated to a shared vision of excellence, where love is the central guiding principle. This approach has allowed the company to foster deep relationships with its workers and customers alike.
The book is not only a history of Hästens but also a guide for leaders looking to create meaningful change in their organisations. By treating business as an act of love, Ryde suggests that companies can unleash a sense of abundance and fulfilment that goes beyond financial success.
Ryde’s question, “How good do you want to have it?”, forms the heart of his message in When Business is Love. He challenges business owners to consider how love can reshape their professional and personal lives, making workplaces more compassionate and creative spaces.
Available in multiple formats, When Business is Love invites readers to reimagine the role of love in leadership and innovation. It’s a call to action for those who believe that businesses can thrive by prioritising the well-being of their people and customers over traditional bottom-line thinking.
For more information on When Business is Love, or to purchase the book, visit Hästens’ official website.